Tokaj Hill MTB Adventure: TV Tower, Quarry Lake and Blessing Christ

Elevation gain +686.0m / -686.0m

Estimated time 6h 48m

Route properties

Available transport: Bike Electric bicycle
Target groups: Class trips Families with younger children Families with older children Seniors Friends Multigenerational programs Couples

Route plan

Here you can see where you start, what you pass through and where you arrive.

Route path Point of interest

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Locations on this route

Blessing Christ Statue One of the most impressive and striking modern sacred monuments of the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region is the Blessing Christ Statue towering over the Ócsanó Hill above Tarcal. This monumental creation is not only a pilgrimage site for the faithful but also one of the most popular destinations for tourists and active leisure seekers visiting the region, offering unparalleled views of the Hegyalja vineyards and the meeting point of the Great Plain.
Tarcali Sea Eye One of the most unique natural wonders of the Tokaj-Hegyalja wine region is the sea eye, born from a quarry lake, located on the edge of Tarcal. The turquoise and emerald green hues of the water, nestled within steep rock walls, offer a breathtaking sight that showcases the renewing power of nature and the geological richness of the wine region.

Destinations on this route

Detailed information about the route can be found on the borbringa.hu website. The route was compiled by the staff of Tokaj Wine Region Development Nonprofit Ltd., and its publication was authorised by them.

This tour is specifically recommended for more experienced MTB cyclists who, in addition to exploring the sights around Tokaj Hill, are also looking for a bit of physical challenge and adventure. While the distance itself is not particularly long, the nearly 5-kilometre climb, vineyard paths, rocky trails, and the steeper section leading to the Blessing Christ statue ensure a truly rewarding cycling experience.

The tour is based on the circular cycling route around the hill: starting from Tokaj, we head along the Bodrog River towards Bodrogkeresztúr. There is only one section – the 3-kilometre stretch connecting Bodrogkeresztúr and Tarcal – that runs on a low-traffic public road, so proceed with extra caution here.

Upon reaching Tarcal, we leave the main road after passing the cemetery and continue on a vineyard path. We join the asphalt road leading to the TV tower about two-thirds of the way up and then cycle on the asphalt all the way to the tower. From there, turning left and heading downhill, we can take an exciting detour on trails – proceed carefully on this section as you may encounter hikers.

The trail briefly rejoins the asphalt road to the TV tower but soon veers off again towards Tarcal Quarry Lake. Upon reaching the lake, it’s worth taking a short break to enjoy the scenery before tackling the next short but steep climb to the Blessing Christ statue. The surroundings of the statue offer a breathtaking experience, both spiritually and scenically.

Descending from the statue, we quickly rejoin the circular cycling route around the hill. Keeping left from the edge of Tarcal, we can follow a fully paved cycle path back to Tokaj. Upon entering the town, turn left at the MOL petrol station: this small detour allows you to pass by the Tokaj Hétszőlő Estate and ride along the charming Szerelmi Cellar Row.

Practical information and tips:

Surface and weather: The tour includes unpaved vineyard paths and rocky trails. In muddy or rainy weather, these sections can be avoided by sticking to the circular cycling route and the asphalt road to the TV tower – the route to the Blessing Christ statue remains fully rideable this way.